Proper 18
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Cycle A, THIRD EDITION
THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
The Passover feast is inaugurated. In preparation for leaving Egypt, Yahweh instituted the Passover. Each family was to roast a sheep or goat and eat unleavened bread. The blood of the animal was to be placed on the doorposts to keep the angel of death from entering their homes. This is to be an annual feast to remind the people of God's deliverance.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:7--9 (RC); Ezekiel 33:(1--6) 7--11 (E)
He who warns the wicked shall live.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8--14 (C); Romans 13:8--10 (RC); Romans 12:9--21 (E)
Christians are to obey state officials as servants of God and the law of love which fulfills all laws. The pericope reflects a stable political order in Paul's time. Christians are to obey state authorities, for they are servants of God appointed by God to resist and punish evildoers by the power of the sword. Therefore, a Christian pays taxes and obeys the laws. Moreover, the laws of God are also to be obeyed by obeying the commandment to love. This law fulfills all other laws.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15--20 (C, RC, E)
Jesus gives a procedure for settling disputes among his followers. Jesus is teaching his disciples, the church. Since Christians are sinful, personal relations may be ruptured. If so, Jesus gives a threefold procedure to settle the differences. Moreover, Jesus gives the power of the keys to forgive or not to forgive to the community. The power of the gathering is demonstrated in prayer which will be answered if the church agrees on the petition. When several gather in Jesus' name, he promises to be with them. In these three cases, the church's importance to faith and life is demonstrated.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 149 (C) - "Sing to the Lord a new song" (v. 1).
Psalm 95:1--2, 6--9 (RC) - "O come, let us worship and bow down" (v. 6).
Psalm 119:33--40 (E) - "Turn my eyes from looking at vanities, and give me life in thy ways" (v. 35).
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and eternal God, you know our problems and our weaknesses better than we ourselves. In your love and by your power help us in our confusion and, in spite of our weakness, make us firm in faith."
Hymn Of The Day
"Lord Of All Nations, Grant Me Grace"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 18:15--20
1. Brother (v. 15). Chapter 18 is Jesus' discourse to the disciples, not to the world. He is dealing with church or in--group problems. The "brother" is a fellow Christian. "If your brother sins against you" implies that Christians are not perfect and thus sin against each other. Because of sin, the church can be plagued with hostility and disunity. Because of this, Jesus gives a procedure to be followed when trouble resulting from sin develops within the Christian community.
2. You (v. 15). Who is "you"? "You" may be an individual Christian or "you" may be the group of Christians (church). It is worthy to note that this passage does not deal with the one who sinned but with the victim of sin. He who is sinned against is to take the initiative to get the matter settled. One would think the guilty one ought to settle accounts, but the sinner may not consider himself to be in the wrong. The victim is to show the sinner what harm he has done and an understanding needs to be reached that the Christian fellowship may not be disrupted by personal tensions.
3. Church (v. 17). The church is to exercise discipline, and if necessary, to exclude the unrepentant sinner. Discipline of members in today's church is unheard of. Is it because we are all sinners, and no one wants to throw a stone? Granted, all Christians are sinners. Yet, if gross sinners are allowed to participate in the church as though nothing was wrong, what difference is there qualitatively between Christians and non--Christians?
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
1. Beginning (v. 2). The Passover meal was to mark the beginning of a new year for the Hebrews in Egypt. It was to mark the beginning of a new life free from bondage and a new life with Yahweh according to the Mosaic covenant. It is similar to the division of history caused by the beginning of Jesus' life on earth: B.C. and A.D. In like manner, the Lord's supper, the Christian's Passover, is the beginning of new life in Christ as the old life of sin was forgiven and blotted out.
2. Blood (v. 13). Blood is the deciding factor whether it is to be life or death. If no blood is to be found on the doorposts, death is the consequence. Blood is life. To give one's blood is to give one's life. The wonderful thing is that our life depends not on the giving of our blood but it depends on the vicarious shedding of blood. For the Passover, it was the blood of a lamb or goat. For Christians, it is the blood of Jesus that saves us from death.
3. Passover (v. 11). This ancient meal still celebrated by Jews today is called the "Passover." It commemorates the passing over the Hebrew homes marked by blood by the angel of death. Because of this pass--over, the Israelites passed over the Red Sea on dry ground to life and to an eventual land of liberty. The Lord's supper is the new Passover meal. Because of our sins, we deserve to be visited by the angel of death, but we are passed over for Jesus' sake. This enables us to pass over the deep waters of mortality to the land of eternal life.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:7--9 (RC); Ezekiel 33:(1--6) 7--11 (E)
1. Watchman (v. 7). God refers to Ezekiel, the prophet, as one of his watchmen. A watchman is to warn a town that an enemy is coming to destroy the people. A preacher is to warn people that sin will kill them. Sin does bring death to the sinner. Therefore, sin is no light, casual matter to be dismissed by calling it a sickness, a maladjustment, or ignorance. Sin is a serious offense against God that brings death to the person. This reminds us that God is a just God and violations of his holy Law will bring the wrath of God upon the offender. The "watchman" needs not be limited to the professional preacher, but since we believe in the priesthood of believers, each Christian has the responsibility to warn sinners to cease and desist lest death overtake them.
2. Warn (v. 9). In the three verses of this Lesson, the word "warn" is used three times. It is a key word. A Christian is to be God's person who warns sinners. Many have overlooked this responsibility of a Christian. The common saying is, "It is your life. You must live it as you please. Who am I to say you are wrong?" In this way we excuse ourselves from the responsibility to correct the wayward. Does it make any difference whether we warn or not? According to this pericope, not to warn the wicked means you must answer to God for his sins; if you warn him and he does not repent, God will not hold you responsible. It is not for us to change a person or to use force to effect reforms, but our job is to warn the sinner of the consequences. It is for him to repent. No human can change a person. This is God's job.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8--14 (C); Romans 13:8--10 (RC)
1. Subject (v. 1). To resist the state is to resist God. To obey governmental officials is to obey God. This is what Paul is teaching in this Lesson. Paul is on the side of law and order. This could lead to blind obedience as was experienced in Nazism. When Paul wrote these words, the state was not persecuting Christians. It is assumed that government officials are trustworthy ministers of justice for all. According to this view, the state is an order of God's creation. It is God's way of executing justice and restraining evil. Thus, government officials are ministers of God carrying out justice in society by punishing evildoers. This gives Christians a new insight into their attitude and response to government and its laws. To disobey the laws of state is to disobey God who will bring judgment upon offenders. Imagine the change in the crime rate if this truth would be accepted by the majority in modern society. If and when a government is corrupt and persecutes people, it is because evil powers have taken over and must be resisted.
2. Love (v. 8). According to Paul we are to be free of all debt except the debt of love. If this were practiced, what would happen to our economy which is based largely on debt - personal, corporate, and federal? The one thing we have over our fellow human is love, for love is the performance of the law. If you truly love your fellow human, you will not hurt him, steal from him, lie to him, or covet what he has. If we truly loved God, we would willingly obey God's laws. Love is the answer to our delinquency, crime, and moral corruption. The big problem is, where can we get such love: How can we get people to love each other? We must first experience God's love for us before we can truly love each other.
Lesson 2: Romans 12:9--21 (E)
See Lesson 2, Proper 17, Pentecost 15 (C).
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 18:15--20
1. If A Brother Sins. 18:15--20
Need: "If" a brother sins. Should it not be "when a brother sins"? In this pericope Jesus teaches the disciples what needs to be done when a fellow Christian sins. This is the church's execution of discipline which has practically gone out of existence. When is a church member ever called on the carpet for not living the Christian life? Yet, the church has its books of discipline and model constitutions for congregations call for discipline according to the text. When was the last time a Protestant was excommunicated by his own church?
Outline: The procedure for church discipline.
a. Attempt to reconcile - vv. 15, 18.
b. Pray for the offender - v. 19.
c. Act in the presence of Christ - v. 20.
2. When We All Get Together. 18:18--20
Need: Why can't I be a Christian without joining the church? This is asked by many today. Believing they can be a Christian outside the church, a percentage of the American population refuses to join the church. What is the advantage of belonging to a group of Christians? Is the advantage great enough to justify joining? Why can't I be a good Christian on my own?
Outline: The value of Christians getting together in a church.
a. The church has the power of the keys - v. 18.
b. When the church prays, prayers are answered - v. 19.
c. When the church assembles, Christ is present - v. 20.
3. Can The Church Forgive? 18:18
Need: Is it not true that only God can forgive sin? If a Christian prays for forgiveness, can he not get forgiveness apart from the church? Yet, in this text, Jesus gives the power to forgive or not to forgive to the church. It has the power to include or exclude sinners. How does the church fit into the picture of God's forgiveness? Do we need the church to say we are forgiven?
Outline: How the church forgives.
a. The church confirms the forgiveness of your sins. On the basis of our repentance and faith, the church assures us that God for Jesus' sake has forgiven our sins. This confirms and assures us that our prayer for forgiveness has been answered.
b. The church is a channel for forgiveness. Through the church's Word and sacraments, the Holy Spirit effects forgiveness of sins. God the Spirit forgives through the sacramental ministry of the church.
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
1. Will This Too Pass? 12:1--14
Need: "This too shall pass." The persecution and slavery passed for the Israelites in Egypt. They were to pass over the Red Sea to the Promised Land. Life has not changed. The world has not changed because we also live in times of trouble, poverty, and slavery to the ways of the world. We need a passover. Our passover is Christ.
Outline: Because of Christ our Passover -
a. We pass over hunger to plenty - vv. 8--11.
b. We pass over bondage to liberty - v. 11.
c. We pass over death to life - vv. 12--13.
2. The Christian Passover. 12:1--14; 1 Corinthians 5:7b
Need: The Passover is a Jewish festival faithfully observed every year. Christians of the New Covenant have a passover also. Christ is the Lamb of God sacrificed on the cross. The Lord's supper was instituted as a new Passover. We eat unleavened bread as the flesh of the Lamb and drink wine as his blood which covers our sins.
Outline: Behold the Lamb of God -
a. He is without blemish - v. 5.
b. He is food for our souls - v. 8.
c. He saves us by his shed blood - v. 13.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:7--9 (RC); Ezekiel 33:(1--6) 7--11 (E)
Watch Out, Watchman! 33:7--9
Need: God has appointed the prophet to be a watchman for his people to warn them of the danger of death from approaching enemy forces. A Christian is called to proclaim God's truth and to serve him, not necessarily as a preacher, but as a servant. You, as an average Christian, may not be a prophet, but you can be a watchman.
Outline: What a watchman does.
a. Sees the danger coming - v. 7.
b. Realizes the consequences is death - v. 8.
c. Warns the people - v. 9.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8--14 (C); Romans 13:8--10 (RC)
1. To Obey God Is To Obey The State. 13:1--10
Need: Are Christians to obey the state as they obey God? Is obeying the state at the same time obeying God? Is this true in every instance, any government? Christians may feel independent of the state, for their citizenship is in heaven. Some Christians refuse to salute the flag and serve in the armed forces. Are they true Christians? Paul in this passage urges all Christians to obey the state as the servant of God. He has in mind a state which is serving as God's minister of justice, order, and peace. If a state has bad laws which contradict the Christian conscience, it means demonic forces have taken charge of the state. Then a Christian must obey God rather than the state. In this sermon, with Paul, we are assuming the state is fulfilling its God--given task of maintaining the peace and executing justice. In that case, why should Christians obey the state?
Outline: Reasons for obeying the state -
a. Government officials are servants of God - vv. 1--2.
b. Conscience's sake - v. 5.
c. Love motivates obedience - vv. 8--10.
2. The State Be Served! 13:1--10
Need: We have lost respect for top officials because some have been involved in various scandals. Some do their best to cheat the state of taxes. Many Americans have lost confidence and trust in the government's credibility. On the other hand, Paul teaches that the state is to be served because it is of God, sent by God for the good order of society, and its authority comes from God. This sermon is needed to build up the sense of responsibility Christians have to the state and to show how they can be discharged.
Outline: How a Christians can serve the state.
a. Respect government officials as ministers of God - vv. 2, 7.
b. Pay your taxes - v. 6.
c. Obey the laws out of love - vv. 8--10.
Lesson 2: Romans 12:9--21 (E)
See Lesson 2, Proper 17, Pentecost 15 (C).
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
The Passover feast is inaugurated. In preparation for leaving Egypt, Yahweh instituted the Passover. Each family was to roast a sheep or goat and eat unleavened bread. The blood of the animal was to be placed on the doorposts to keep the angel of death from entering their homes. This is to be an annual feast to remind the people of God's deliverance.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:7--9 (RC); Ezekiel 33:(1--6) 7--11 (E)
He who warns the wicked shall live.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8--14 (C); Romans 13:8--10 (RC); Romans 12:9--21 (E)
Christians are to obey state officials as servants of God and the law of love which fulfills all laws. The pericope reflects a stable political order in Paul's time. Christians are to obey state authorities, for they are servants of God appointed by God to resist and punish evildoers by the power of the sword. Therefore, a Christian pays taxes and obeys the laws. Moreover, the laws of God are also to be obeyed by obeying the commandment to love. This law fulfills all other laws.
Gospel: Matthew 18:15--20 (C, RC, E)
Jesus gives a procedure for settling disputes among his followers. Jesus is teaching his disciples, the church. Since Christians are sinful, personal relations may be ruptured. If so, Jesus gives a threefold procedure to settle the differences. Moreover, Jesus gives the power of the keys to forgive or not to forgive to the community. The power of the gathering is demonstrated in prayer which will be answered if the church agrees on the petition. When several gather in Jesus' name, he promises to be with them. In these three cases, the church's importance to faith and life is demonstrated.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 149 (C) - "Sing to the Lord a new song" (v. 1).
Psalm 95:1--2, 6--9 (RC) - "O come, let us worship and bow down" (v. 6).
Psalm 119:33--40 (E) - "Turn my eyes from looking at vanities, and give me life in thy ways" (v. 35).
Prayer Of The Day
"Almighty and eternal God, you know our problems and our weaknesses better than we ourselves. In your love and by your power help us in our confusion and, in spite of our weakness, make us firm in faith."
Hymn Of The Day
"Lord Of All Nations, Grant Me Grace"
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Gospel: Matthew 18:15--20
1. Brother (v. 15). Chapter 18 is Jesus' discourse to the disciples, not to the world. He is dealing with church or in--group problems. The "brother" is a fellow Christian. "If your brother sins against you" implies that Christians are not perfect and thus sin against each other. Because of sin, the church can be plagued with hostility and disunity. Because of this, Jesus gives a procedure to be followed when trouble resulting from sin develops within the Christian community.
2. You (v. 15). Who is "you"? "You" may be an individual Christian or "you" may be the group of Christians (church). It is worthy to note that this passage does not deal with the one who sinned but with the victim of sin. He who is sinned against is to take the initiative to get the matter settled. One would think the guilty one ought to settle accounts, but the sinner may not consider himself to be in the wrong. The victim is to show the sinner what harm he has done and an understanding needs to be reached that the Christian fellowship may not be disrupted by personal tensions.
3. Church (v. 17). The church is to exercise discipline, and if necessary, to exclude the unrepentant sinner. Discipline of members in today's church is unheard of. Is it because we are all sinners, and no one wants to throw a stone? Granted, all Christians are sinners. Yet, if gross sinners are allowed to participate in the church as though nothing was wrong, what difference is there qualitatively between Christians and non--Christians?
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
1. Beginning (v. 2). The Passover meal was to mark the beginning of a new year for the Hebrews in Egypt. It was to mark the beginning of a new life free from bondage and a new life with Yahweh according to the Mosaic covenant. It is similar to the division of history caused by the beginning of Jesus' life on earth: B.C. and A.D. In like manner, the Lord's supper, the Christian's Passover, is the beginning of new life in Christ as the old life of sin was forgiven and blotted out.
2. Blood (v. 13). Blood is the deciding factor whether it is to be life or death. If no blood is to be found on the doorposts, death is the consequence. Blood is life. To give one's blood is to give one's life. The wonderful thing is that our life depends not on the giving of our blood but it depends on the vicarious shedding of blood. For the Passover, it was the blood of a lamb or goat. For Christians, it is the blood of Jesus that saves us from death.
3. Passover (v. 11). This ancient meal still celebrated by Jews today is called the "Passover." It commemorates the passing over the Hebrew homes marked by blood by the angel of death. Because of this pass--over, the Israelites passed over the Red Sea on dry ground to life and to an eventual land of liberty. The Lord's supper is the new Passover meal. Because of our sins, we deserve to be visited by the angel of death, but we are passed over for Jesus' sake. This enables us to pass over the deep waters of mortality to the land of eternal life.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:7--9 (RC); Ezekiel 33:(1--6) 7--11 (E)
1. Watchman (v. 7). God refers to Ezekiel, the prophet, as one of his watchmen. A watchman is to warn a town that an enemy is coming to destroy the people. A preacher is to warn people that sin will kill them. Sin does bring death to the sinner. Therefore, sin is no light, casual matter to be dismissed by calling it a sickness, a maladjustment, or ignorance. Sin is a serious offense against God that brings death to the person. This reminds us that God is a just God and violations of his holy Law will bring the wrath of God upon the offender. The "watchman" needs not be limited to the professional preacher, but since we believe in the priesthood of believers, each Christian has the responsibility to warn sinners to cease and desist lest death overtake them.
2. Warn (v. 9). In the three verses of this Lesson, the word "warn" is used three times. It is a key word. A Christian is to be God's person who warns sinners. Many have overlooked this responsibility of a Christian. The common saying is, "It is your life. You must live it as you please. Who am I to say you are wrong?" In this way we excuse ourselves from the responsibility to correct the wayward. Does it make any difference whether we warn or not? According to this pericope, not to warn the wicked means you must answer to God for his sins; if you warn him and he does not repent, God will not hold you responsible. It is not for us to change a person or to use force to effect reforms, but our job is to warn the sinner of the consequences. It is for him to repent. No human can change a person. This is God's job.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8--14 (C); Romans 13:8--10 (RC)
1. Subject (v. 1). To resist the state is to resist God. To obey governmental officials is to obey God. This is what Paul is teaching in this Lesson. Paul is on the side of law and order. This could lead to blind obedience as was experienced in Nazism. When Paul wrote these words, the state was not persecuting Christians. It is assumed that government officials are trustworthy ministers of justice for all. According to this view, the state is an order of God's creation. It is God's way of executing justice and restraining evil. Thus, government officials are ministers of God carrying out justice in society by punishing evildoers. This gives Christians a new insight into their attitude and response to government and its laws. To disobey the laws of state is to disobey God who will bring judgment upon offenders. Imagine the change in the crime rate if this truth would be accepted by the majority in modern society. If and when a government is corrupt and persecutes people, it is because evil powers have taken over and must be resisted.
2. Love (v. 8). According to Paul we are to be free of all debt except the debt of love. If this were practiced, what would happen to our economy which is based largely on debt - personal, corporate, and federal? The one thing we have over our fellow human is love, for love is the performance of the law. If you truly love your fellow human, you will not hurt him, steal from him, lie to him, or covet what he has. If we truly loved God, we would willingly obey God's laws. Love is the answer to our delinquency, crime, and moral corruption. The big problem is, where can we get such love: How can we get people to love each other? We must first experience God's love for us before we can truly love each other.
Lesson 2: Romans 12:9--21 (E)
See Lesson 2, Proper 17, Pentecost 15 (C).
PREACHING POSSIBILITIES
Gospel: Matthew 18:15--20
1. If A Brother Sins. 18:15--20
Need: "If" a brother sins. Should it not be "when a brother sins"? In this pericope Jesus teaches the disciples what needs to be done when a fellow Christian sins. This is the church's execution of discipline which has practically gone out of existence. When is a church member ever called on the carpet for not living the Christian life? Yet, the church has its books of discipline and model constitutions for congregations call for discipline according to the text. When was the last time a Protestant was excommunicated by his own church?
Outline: The procedure for church discipline.
a. Attempt to reconcile - vv. 15, 18.
b. Pray for the offender - v. 19.
c. Act in the presence of Christ - v. 20.
2. When We All Get Together. 18:18--20
Need: Why can't I be a Christian without joining the church? This is asked by many today. Believing they can be a Christian outside the church, a percentage of the American population refuses to join the church. What is the advantage of belonging to a group of Christians? Is the advantage great enough to justify joining? Why can't I be a good Christian on my own?
Outline: The value of Christians getting together in a church.
a. The church has the power of the keys - v. 18.
b. When the church prays, prayers are answered - v. 19.
c. When the church assembles, Christ is present - v. 20.
3. Can The Church Forgive? 18:18
Need: Is it not true that only God can forgive sin? If a Christian prays for forgiveness, can he not get forgiveness apart from the church? Yet, in this text, Jesus gives the power to forgive or not to forgive to the church. It has the power to include or exclude sinners. How does the church fit into the picture of God's forgiveness? Do we need the church to say we are forgiven?
Outline: How the church forgives.
a. The church confirms the forgiveness of your sins. On the basis of our repentance and faith, the church assures us that God for Jesus' sake has forgiven our sins. This confirms and assures us that our prayer for forgiveness has been answered.
b. The church is a channel for forgiveness. Through the church's Word and sacraments, the Holy Spirit effects forgiveness of sins. God the Spirit forgives through the sacramental ministry of the church.
Lesson 1: Exodus 12:1--14 (C)
1. Will This Too Pass? 12:1--14
Need: "This too shall pass." The persecution and slavery passed for the Israelites in Egypt. They were to pass over the Red Sea to the Promised Land. Life has not changed. The world has not changed because we also live in times of trouble, poverty, and slavery to the ways of the world. We need a passover. Our passover is Christ.
Outline: Because of Christ our Passover -
a. We pass over hunger to plenty - vv. 8--11.
b. We pass over bondage to liberty - v. 11.
c. We pass over death to life - vv. 12--13.
2. The Christian Passover. 12:1--14; 1 Corinthians 5:7b
Need: The Passover is a Jewish festival faithfully observed every year. Christians of the New Covenant have a passover also. Christ is the Lamb of God sacrificed on the cross. The Lord's supper was instituted as a new Passover. We eat unleavened bread as the flesh of the Lamb and drink wine as his blood which covers our sins.
Outline: Behold the Lamb of God -
a. He is without blemish - v. 5.
b. He is food for our souls - v. 8.
c. He saves us by his shed blood - v. 13.
Lesson 1: Ezekiel 33:7--9 (RC); Ezekiel 33:(1--6) 7--11 (E)
Watch Out, Watchman! 33:7--9
Need: God has appointed the prophet to be a watchman for his people to warn them of the danger of death from approaching enemy forces. A Christian is called to proclaim God's truth and to serve him, not necessarily as a preacher, but as a servant. You, as an average Christian, may not be a prophet, but you can be a watchman.
Outline: What a watchman does.
a. Sees the danger coming - v. 7.
b. Realizes the consequences is death - v. 8.
c. Warns the people - v. 9.
Lesson 2: Romans 13:8--14 (C); Romans 13:8--10 (RC)
1. To Obey God Is To Obey The State. 13:1--10
Need: Are Christians to obey the state as they obey God? Is obeying the state at the same time obeying God? Is this true in every instance, any government? Christians may feel independent of the state, for their citizenship is in heaven. Some Christians refuse to salute the flag and serve in the armed forces. Are they true Christians? Paul in this passage urges all Christians to obey the state as the servant of God. He has in mind a state which is serving as God's minister of justice, order, and peace. If a state has bad laws which contradict the Christian conscience, it means demonic forces have taken charge of the state. Then a Christian must obey God rather than the state. In this sermon, with Paul, we are assuming the state is fulfilling its God--given task of maintaining the peace and executing justice. In that case, why should Christians obey the state?
Outline: Reasons for obeying the state -
a. Government officials are servants of God - vv. 1--2.
b. Conscience's sake - v. 5.
c. Love motivates obedience - vv. 8--10.
2. The State Be Served! 13:1--10
Need: We have lost respect for top officials because some have been involved in various scandals. Some do their best to cheat the state of taxes. Many Americans have lost confidence and trust in the government's credibility. On the other hand, Paul teaches that the state is to be served because it is of God, sent by God for the good order of society, and its authority comes from God. This sermon is needed to build up the sense of responsibility Christians have to the state and to show how they can be discharged.
Outline: How a Christians can serve the state.
a. Respect government officials as ministers of God - vv. 2, 7.
b. Pay your taxes - v. 6.
c. Obey the laws out of love - vv. 8--10.
Lesson 2: Romans 12:9--21 (E)
See Lesson 2, Proper 17, Pentecost 15 (C).
